obstetric cholestasis (Liver problem during Pregnancy)

[Ryally]

Hi,

I have been diagnosed today with having 'obstetric cholestasis'. It's a problem with the liver which doesn't function properly and the bile salts are not flushed out as they should be and can cross the placenta and cause gallbladder problems including stones. I think the worst part of this condition is it increases the chance of stillborn deaths by 15%. Physically the itchiness is a ***** to endure and worsens at night.

I'm 36 weeks pregnant this coming Monday and the doctor at the antenatal clinic thinks it's best to wait at least a week to two weeks before a decision is made on whether to deliver bub early or not. I have to have weekly checkups including weekly blood and urine tests to check the bile etc.

I also have to monitor the fetal movements and if I feel an increase in itchiness, a drop in movements or feel under the weather for whatever reason I have to present at the birthing ward for a CTG check.

Has anyone else had this happen?

I'm trying to stay calm but I'm really worried and wish they would have given me the option of having him early. The only scary thing I'm finding now being a public patient is there are so many different people you see at each checkup that I'm not confident in decisions made to be the right ones. I never saw the 'senior doctor' at the clinic, I saw the new recruit who left the room to consult with him.

Would I be best approaching a private OB and asking them to review the situation? Or am I just adding another cook to the kitchen?

Thanks for letting me vent

[JanetF]

Hugs to you. It's scary when something happens out of the blue. This is a link to how another Sydney mama dealt with it on her own.
http://gentlebirth.org/Midwife/obchol.html

In terms of seeing an OB, well, OBs are surgeons first and foremost and so they're most likely to recommend surgery, yk? That isn't necessarily the best option for you given that your liver is under stress and the drugs required in caesarean are massive and will put your liver under more strain filtering them out. I'd choose lifestyle changes first (there's lots of ideas in the article I left you) and see how I went. Your bub is fairly close to term but at this age they are almost always far healthier in than out, especially given bubs would be too early and that would give you many other potential issues, not to mention the risks to you in any surgery. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat.

[BubbleBelly]

I'm sorry to hear your news! I know it's hard but try and be strong.
My fingers are crossed for you and your little boy!

[Ryally]

It's been a pretty stressful time since I was diagnosed and have been trying to get Blacktown Hospital to induce me at 37 weeks and it looks like I'm going to get what I'm begging for.

I presented at the hospital last night because I hadn't felt bub move like he normally does at night and had more tests done to check my liver function and my results are still sky high. I spoke with the doctor on duty and she in turn discussed my case with the senior consultant who has the power to decide on inductions and they agree I should be induced on Monday. All I have to do now is go in for my normal weekly check on Friday and organise my induction for Monday the 12th.

I could cry I'm so relieved but I'm not going to relax just yet. I want to make sure we have a time in place on Monday and this doctor doesn't back out before I sit down and have a good wail in relief.

I just have to try to relax and keep an eye on bub's movements until then.

Wish me luck

[BubbleBelly]

I'm glad to hear you're feeling a little better. I hope all goes well on Monday for you! You'll get to meet your little boy! How exciting!

[mim]

I'm so glad you got a date for an induction. If they do change their minds, just keep on fighting for it, your precious son deserves a fair go at coming into this world happy and healthy. I wish you the best of luck and know that I am thinking of you:)